A jaguar is a member of the big cat family.
Jaguars have a very distinct look, with golden fur and dark spots (rosettes) covering their body. They are one of the largest species in the big cat family with stocky legs and a large, muscular body. With distinctly broad foreheads and wide jaws the jaguar can look quite ferocious!
Jaguars can grow to up to 8 or 9 feet in length and up to 120kg in weight!
A baby jaguar is called a cub.
The natural habitat of the jaguar is tropical land, often low-lying and close to rivers, lakes and wetlands. Unfortunately, this area is growing smaller and they have lost over half of their habitat.
Due to the landscape that they live in jaguars have grown to become good swimmers. In fact, jaguars love the water! They’re also skilled climbers and are able to scale trees whilst hunting.
The rosettes and colouring of the jaguar allows it to effectively camouflage into areas of it’s habitat.
Jaguars are naturally solitary animals who hunt and live alone. The exception to this is during mating season. Although they often hunt from the ground they have been known to climb trees to pounce on their prey from above.
Jaguar cubs will usually stay with their mother for up to 2 years before moving on. Unlike most other big cats, and to survive in their tropical habitat the jaguar is a surprisingly good swimmer. They will also hunt during both the day and night.
aguars have an abundance of prey in their habitat and they aren’t very fussy eaters! Animals that can be the jaguar’s prey include:
They will try to hunt most animals, even including the tapir – South America’s largest animal!
People often confuse jaguars with leopards, and it’s easy to see why. They do share a number of similarities in their appearance, but there are key differences also. These include:
Although both jaguars and leopards have golden fur with rosettes, the jaguars rosettes can be identified as they have spots in them
Of the five big cats (lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, snow leopards) the leopard is the smallest.
Although leopards can swim they tend to avoid it.
This species is found largely in the tropical rainforests of the Amazon, with around 50% located in Brazil. The remaining jaguar population lives within the remaining countries located near the Amazon, including:
Both male and female jaguars roar which can help them meet when they need to mate.They also have a call known as a ‘saw’ as it sounds like the noise you make when sawing wood.
Jaguars are known as apex predators and are at the top of the food chain meaning that they have no natural predators in the wild.
With a bite more powerful than that of any other big cat, the jaguar uses its strong teeth as a vital tool when hunting. They are able to bite through the hard shells of turtles or the thick hides of crocodilians. They’re known for taking down prey up to 3-4 times their own weight, usually with their bite! They will also use their speed and strength to overcome their prey.
The jaguar can reach speeds of up to 50mph.
You can support our conservation and welfare of Maya, our jaguar, by purchasing one of our adoption packages. This helps towards the cost of looking after Maya (including veterinary fees). When you adopt one of our animals you will receive your own certificate, information pack about your cat, bookmark, stickers and posters! You will also be able to visit on one of our supporters afternoons that are held throughout the year.
March 22, 2024
The new series kicks off with a double dose of excitement from the iconic San Diego Zoo and its breathtaking Safari Park in the USA. With over 15,000 animal residents, including Komodo dragons, Galapagos tortoises, and polar bears, get ready to come face to face with nature’s wonders. Join brothers – Aaron, Tyler, and Cam – as they embark on a fact-finding mission
The Big Cat Sanctuary is pleased to announce the newest addition to the family, Kuda, a Sri Lankan Rusty Spotted Cat. Kuda is 5 years old and was born on the 30th of April 2018 at Hamerton Zoo Park. He joined us on Tuesday 13th February after a smooth 3-hour journey from Hamerton.
The London Beach Country Hotel Spa and Golf Club have partnered with The Big Cat Sanctuary for many years and they offer benefits of an excellent charity scheme. The way it works is you are able to enjoy Sunday lunch, cream teas, lunches, dinners and even a round of golf and the full value of the food including the green fees for golf ate donated to The Big Cat Sanctuary as the charity of your choice.
